Basic Policy
- Recognizes Philippines' advantage as an English-speaking country.
- Responds to increasing foreign tourists studying English in local institutions.
- Promotes the Philippines as an ESL destination through the ESL Tour Program.
Objectives
- Position the Philippines as Asia's premier ESL destination.
- Combine English courses with tourism activities.
- Promote cultural immersion to enhance appreciation of Filipino culture.
- Increase tourist arrivals from key Asian markets (China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan).
- Deliver English instruction using dynamic, relaxed methodologies.
- Engage academic institutions to foster competitive ESL programs.
Definition of Terms
- Tour Operator: Accredited Philippine entity arranging transport, accommodation, and inbound tours.
- Accreditation: DOT's recognition of tour operators to handle ESL tours.
- Registration: TESDA's certification of TVET programs adhering to competency standards.
- Language Training Center: SEC-registered Philippine corporation offering TESDA-registered English courses and authorized by BI to admit foreign students.
- Special Study Permit (SSP): BI-issued permit for foreign tourists studying non-degree courses under one year.
- Letter of Guarantee: Document holding tour operators liable for foreign tourists' compliance and repatriation.
- Philippine Foreign Service Post: Consulate/Embassy with jurisdiction over ESL participants' countries.
Procedures for Tour Operators
- Philippine tour operators must obtain DOT accreditation to handle ESL groups.
- Accreditation is valid only within the duration of standard DOT accreditation for travel services.
- Foreign travel agencies must submit contracts, guarantee letters, and legitimacy documents to Philippine Foreign Service Posts.
- Tour operators dealing with Chinese groups governed by separate MOA provisions.
Procedures and Conditions for Language Centers
- Must submit intent letter, company profile, TESDA registration certificate, and BI authorization.
- DOT issues certification as ESL partner upon compliance.
- Must use only DOT-accredited tour operators; reciprocally, tour operators must engage TESDA-registered and BI-authorized language centers.
- Required to maintain a website linked to DOT featuring detailed program and service information.
- Only compliant centers listed in DOT promotional materials.
Implementation and Monitoring
- BI allows entry of ESL tour groups via accredited operators; operators submit passenger lists before arrival.
- DOT provides DFA and BI monthly updates on accredited operators; DFA reciprocates with foreign agency information.
- BI reports expulsions or non-compliance cases.
- TESDA monitors language program compliance and regularly updates involved agencies.
Sanctions
- DOT revokes accreditation of operators violating rules and recommends delisting.
- DFA can cancel accreditations tied to foreign counterparts violating rules; sanctions include prosecution.
- Blacklisting of violators bars participation.
- TESDA cancels registration of non-compliant language centers.
- BI deports individuals violating terms and can prosecute tour operators.
- BI revokes authorization for centers violating immigration orders; penal sanctions apply.
- DOT ceases promotion of violating operators and language centers.
Issuance of Additional Rules
- Each agency may issue internal guidelines consistent with the MOA for effective implementation.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of one or more provisions does not affect the remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Rules become effective 30 days after publication in an official medium.